The world suddenly stopped spinning around 2020…
Airports have locked down, flights canceled, and countries closed their borders. Coronavirus may have been labeled a pandemic, but a handful of countries managed to get better. And with the lessening COVID-19 positive cases, it also means more and more countries are now starting to reopen their borders for travel.
What are the safest countries to travel to right now?
At the moment, the safest travel destinations in the world of COVID-19 according to our criteria are those with few cases of COVID-19, are relatively open to tourists, have a proper plan to keep tourists safe, and are isolated islands for the most part.
Here is our list of the countries we think are the safest to travel to right now:
Greece
Latest Update – The tourism minister of Greece, Harry Theoharis has announced that the borders will open on May 14, 2021, to any traveler including those from non-EU countries who can present proof of immunity such as vaccinations or documents that can show previous infection resulting in antibodies. All visitors may be subject to random testing as well on arrival.
With the rich history and culture, delicious food, breathtaking islands, and ancient monuments, Greece is definitely one of the top travel destinations in the world. And this phenomenal country officially reopened its borders to some foreign visitors as of July 1, 2020.
This comes after other European nations have opened their borders to certain nations in their “safe travel” list. Compared to other European countries, Greece has recorded few Covid-19 infections and deaths.
The nice part about Greece’s tourism safety protocols is that archaeological sites are operating on extended summer hours (8 AM to 8 PM) to avoid overcrowding. Awe-inspiring beaches are open as well but only allowing 40 people every 1,000 square meters. Bars should be serving food and beverages and take-aways are encouraged. The cherry on top of your ice-cream? They are serving alcohol! But it must not be served to customers inside the bar to prevent the gathering of the large crowds.
For more information: Greece Has Reopened Its Borders To Foreign Visitors
Check Greece on our live map.
Iceland
We couldn’t think of anywhere else when we think about glaciers, whale watching, and the northern lights. Iceland is truly an exceptional and remarkable country to visit for this kind of adventure. This Nordic country has just opened its borders for tourists as of June 15, 2020
As of March 29, 2021, Iceland’s borders are permitting tourists from a list of approved countries. Travelers have the option to either present 2 negative Covid-19 tests with a 5-day quarantine in between, submit proof of complete immunization, or substantiate a previous contraction of Covid-19 followed by evidence of recovery. Aside from these, all visitors entering Iceland should have a negative Covid-19 test result ready. Those without the required documents may be fined up to $788.
For more information: Iceland Has Reopened Its Borders To Welcome Tourists
Check out Iceland on our live map.
Austria
Latest Update – As of March 25, 2021, Austria is still currently on lockdown, and travelers for tourism and leisure purposes are prohibited from entering the country. This restriction includes the suspension of hotels to operate for tourism and accept tourists other than those with essential reasons to travel.
The hills are alive when you hear the sound of music in Austria. All across this country, travelers can always find stunning natural beauty, gorgeous churches, engaging museums, and towering castles. And Austria just opened their borders for tourism as of June 16, 2020.
As of June 16th, the requirement for a medical certificate or quarantine has been lifted for all EU countries, except for the UK, Sweden, Spain, and Portugal. If you are from one of those four countries, the prior restrictions still apply: anyone from the EU traveling to Austria had to submit a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than four days upon entry or be subject to a 14-day quarantine period.
As of July 28 update, EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens arriving from a high-risk area should produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Hotels and inns have reopened. Restaurants, Cafes, museums, zoos, swimming pools have also been reopened.
Check Austria from our live map.
Malta
Latest Update – As of March 29, 2021, Malta has declared that all countries in the ‘green zone’ list shall be moved to a stricter ‘amber zone’ category. This means that all travelers are required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours of arrival in the country. Failure to submit this requirement may mean having the test taken in Malta and a possibility to undergo a mandatory quarantine as well.
As of July 1, 2020, Malta has reopened its borders for tourism. The government of Malta has taken all the necessary safety procedures. They invested in technologies and they trained their front liners to make all travelers feel safe and secure during their visit.
In addition, there are a lot of places currently open in Malta. Hotels, gyms, museums, restaurants, bars, salons, shopping malls, and cinemas! Some of them are operating in limited hours and social distancing measures are in place.
Malta’s COVID-19 cases are most likely 55 times fewer than any most affected European countries. And this small country has more hospital beds per resident than the UK! The pandemic has been very limited that’s why hospitals have never been crowded.
For more information: Malta Has Reopened for Tourism As Of July 1st
Or you may check Malta on our live map.
Grenada
The lush tropical island nation of Grenada reopened for tourism as of July 15, 2020. With only 24 COVID-19 cases and 0 recorded deaths, this Caribbean country is currently virus-free. Grenada is on its phase 2 of reopening as of August 1, 2020. Which meant almost all nations are welcome including travelers from the United States. And that is to say that this country wanted to stay virus-free for their reopening and has some tough rules laid out.
As of March 2021, all travelers should complete an online form to obtain a Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate, are subject to health screening on arrival, and a negative PCR test took no more than 72 hours before entry. Travelers must also have a confirmed hotel reservation for a minimum of seven days at an approved accommodation. Mandatory quarantine may apply to those who are coming from high-risk countries. You can check all the required incoming passenger forms here.
Above all, other rules for Grenada are mandatory wearing of masks, temperature checks, social distancing, and that all travelers should have health insurance that covers COVID-19.
Check Grenada on our live map.
Dominica
Latest Update – As of February 2, 2021, all visitors are required to wear a wristband that is color-coded based on safety categories. Travelers also need to submit an online health questionnaire before entering the country. Those coming from high-risk countries need to stay at Safe in Nature approved accommodations. A Covid-19 test will also be conducted with the assistance of the booked Safe in Nature facility.
Dominica has only 18 cases of COVID-19 with no recorded deaths. And this Caribbean country has just reopened its borders for tourism as of August 8, 2020! All travelers coming into Dominica must obtain a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) result recorded 24 to 72 hours before arriving. Travelers must complete an online questionnaire for at least 24 hours in advance and show their clearance to travel. There will also be a series of temperature checks including a rapid test.
Bars, hotels, and restaurants are fully open for business. As well as all other establishments. Beaches and rivers are open but no alcohol consumption, picnics, music, or gatherings of more than 10 people are permitted.
For More Information: Dominica Is Reopening Its Borders To Tourism On August 7th
Check out Dominica on our live map.
Seychelles
Talking about a cluster of panoramic islands in the warm tropics of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has just reopened commercial flights for tourism as of August 1, 2020. This country certainly only had 126 COVID-19, no deaths, and no new positive cases for the last 14 days! That is to say that Seychelles is virus-free.
The government of Seychelles has also made it very clear that all travelers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than 72 hours of boarding. Travelers should be wearing masks and ensure social distancing. All visitors must also have travel insurance with medical coverage.
For more information: Seychelles To Welcome Tourists As Of August 1st
See Seychelles from our live map.
Turkey
Latest Update – As of March 29, 2021, there are some additional restrictions for visitors coming from different international countries. All passengers excluding those in transit need to register online within 72 hours before travel and will be subject to health screening on arrival. Visitors are also required to present a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling to the country.
With its strict health protocols and safety measures, Turkey has made it on our list! And as a result, this country has been recovering well from COVID-19.
All visitors should wear face masks during their flight going to Turkey. Most importantly, travelers should wear it in airports or they will not be allowed to enter Turkey. All travelers are certainly must submit to a temperature check and health screening upon arrival.
For more information: Turkey Is Now Open for Tourists – Here’s What You Need To Know
Check out Turkey on our live map.
Maldives
Latest Update – Currently, in addition to having a confirmed booking from a hotel or resort registered with the Ministry of Tourism, travelers should also submit an online health declaration form within 24 hours, and submit a negative Covid-19 test taken within 96 hours upon travel departure. Visitors are now allowed split-stays but have to request approval from the Ministry of Tourism at least 48 hours before travel date.
As of July 15, 2020, the Maldives has reopened its doors to international tourists; however, travelers still need to follow their safety measures.
All travelers must have a confirmed booking at any of the properties registered with the Ministry of Tourism. For instance, staying at multiple resorts or hotels will not be permitted. Travelers should wear face masks and practice physical distancing. Terminals are providing hand sanitizers.
For more information: The Maldives Has Reopened for International Tourism As Of July 15
Check out Maldives on our live map.
French Polynesia
Latest Update – As of February 3, 2021, the authorities of French Polynesia have announced the suspension of all travels other than those with essential reasons such as health, business, family, or if returning home.
If Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and other islands in French Polynesia are in your mind, then this is a piece of good news for you! French Polynesia started welcoming visitors as of July 15, 2020. These islands are recovering well from COVID-19 with only 69 cases and no recorded deaths.
And most importantly to maintain and ensure the safety of all visitors and its citizens, the government of French Polynesia has put in place some travel requirements that all visitors must follow. All travelers should undergo a COVID-19 test before departure within three days before the flight to the island. Each passenger is required to fill out the sanitary entry form via Electronic Travel Information System (ETIS) and must agree to follow the prevention measures and safety instructions issued by the French Polynesian government.
For more information: French Polynesia Reopening for International Tourists As of July 15
Check French Polynesia on our live map.
Cyprus
Here’s another beautiful country that reopened its borders for tourism to welcome travelers! Cyprus now is recovering from COVID-19. And with its strict protocols and safety measures, we can say that Cyprus definitely deserve to be on this list.
Although it’s not a snap of a finger to fly to Cyprus. Passengers should apply for a Cyprus Flight Pass, where they need to create an account and provide their personal details including flight details to Cyprus. A flight pass is issued once the application is approved.
Moreover, The Cypriot government split countries into two categories, Category A and Category B, based on the global epidemic data. Category A countries have the most favorable epidemiological status and are considered low-risk.
For more information: Cyprus Has Reopened to Tourists
See Cyprus on our live map.
That’s all for now! We will keep adding to this list as more information becomes available, and more countries reopen to tourism.
